When you search for auto repair, you’ll find many shops between Downtown LA and West LA that offer a variety of restoration services. There are a lot of factors to consider when picking a repair shop, but one of the questions most drivers find themselves asking is what is the difference between an auto repair shop and an auto body repair shop. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference in the services each shop provides. In general, auto repair shops only focus on the mechanics of the vehicle while auto body repair shops focus on the vehicle’s exterior as well as the mechanics.
Learn more about the differences between auto body vs. auto repair shops with Eli’s Collision Repair below and then read more about how to estimate your collision repair costs.
Auto repair shops offer services that focus on the mechanical and electrical parts of a vehicle — not the exterior body components or paneling. Typically, you’ll visit a repair shop for services that involve the interior “guts” of the vehicle. Auto repair means services like oil changes, transmission repair, brake replacement, or fixing your entertainment system. In the event of an accident, the first thing most drivers consider is the condition of the internal components of the vehicle. If a major system is damaged, then the vehicle may not run before it’s fixed. However, if your vehicle also has damage to the body, then you’ll need to visit an auto body repair shop.
While the auto repair shops repair the internal parts of your vehicle, body shops are facilities that repair the exterior of your vehicle. After a collision in South Bay, your vehicle will most likely have damage to the doors, bumper, windows, frame, and other areas. While these parts are not involved in powering your vehicle or bringing it to a stop, each exterior body part is instrumental to the strength of your vehicle in the event of a collision. Repairing the structural components of your vehicle is just as important as the mechanical parts since your safety and the safety of your passengers is provided by the body of your vehicle. For these repairs, it’s important to find a good collision repair center, so your vehicle is restored properly.
Now that you know the auto repair meaning and what body shops are, you may be wondering where you should go after an accident. Many Mid-Wilshire drivers find themselves wondering if body shops do mechanical work as well and the answer is yes! While you’ll need to contact the shop to confirm their services, many auto body shops like Eli’s Collision Repair offer both body and mechanical repair services.
Whether you choose an auto body vs. auto repair shop though, it’s important to find a repair center with the proper certifications. Some insurance agencies may send you to a shop that’s not qualified to handle extensive repairs, which can have disastrous results. When you visit one of the many Eli’s Collision Repair locations, you can have a peace of mind knowing that your vehicle’s mechanical and body repairs will meet manufacturer and federal standards.
If your vehicle needs to be repaired and you want to avoid the hassle of which auto body vs. auto repair shop to visit, come to one of our many locations around Los Angeles. We have over 40 years of experience in auto body and mechanical repair and we offer a variety of services that handle major restoration to minor scratches. Get a free estimate online today!
